A Guide to Replacing Brake Calipers on the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited
Everything you need to know about choosing the right new aftermarket brake calipers for your Acadia Limited.
- A failing caliper is a serious safety issue; symptoms like fluid leaks or a spongy pedal mean you should stop driving immediately.
- The 2017 Acadia Limited has an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which requires a scan tool to retract the rear calipers for service.
- For reliability, choosing a new aftermarket caliper over a remanufactured one is often the better choice for this vehicle.
- Always replace calipers in pairs (both front or both rear) to ensure balanced braking performance.
Is Your Acadia Limited's Brake Caliper Failing?
Brake calipers are built to last a long time, but they can fail. Corrosion, worn-out seals, and contaminated brake fluid are common causes of failure. If a caliper seizes or leaks, it can seriously compromise your safety. Watch for these common symptoms:
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: When you brake, does your Acadia pull to the left or right? This can happen if one caliper is applying more pressure than the other. A stuck caliper can also cause pulling even when you're not braking.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the pedal feels mushy or goes down further than usual, it could be a sign of a leaking caliper.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: Puddles of clear or brownish fluid near your wheels are a major red flag. Your brake system is a closed hydraulic system and should never leak fluid.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: A sticking caliper can cause the inner and outer brake pads to wear at different rates.
- Strange Noises or Smells: A continuous squealing sound when you're not braking can point to a stuck caliper. A burning chemical smell after driving can mean a caliper is dragging and overheating the brakes.
A Note on a Related Recall
General Motors issued a safety recall (NHTSA 16V802) for some 2017 GMC Acadia models due to front calipers that could leak fluid. However, this recall primarily affected the newly redesigned 2017 Acadia, not the "Limited" model, which is based on the previous generation's platform. While it's unlikely to apply to your Acadia Limited, it's always wise to check your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to be certain.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
When replacing a caliper on your Acadia Limited, you'll find new aftermarket and remanufactured options. New calipers are made with 100% new parts and offer the highest reliability, which is a smart investment for a vehicle you plan to keep. Remanufactured calipers are cheaper because they reuse the main caliper body (core), but they can sometimes have quality issues. Given that your Acadia Limited uses an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which adds complexity, a new caliper is often the more reliable choice.
Here’s a look at some available brands:
- Premium Brands (Powerstop, ACDelco Gold): Powerstop is known for performance and often comes with features like powder coating to resist corrosion. ACDelco Gold parts are considered OEM-equivalent, designed to fit and perform like the original parts.
- Standard Replacement (Raybestos, Centric, Dynamic Friction): These brands offer a great balance of quality and value for daily driving. They produce reliable new calipers that meet or exceed factory specifications. Raybestos, for example, is a known manufacturer of new calipers and sometimes even supplies them to other brands.
- Value-Oriented (Cardone, BBB Industries): These brands are major players in the remanufactured market. They provide a cost-effective solution, but it's important to ensure you're getting a quality rebuild, especially for the complex rear EPB calipers.
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
It is highly recommended to replace calipers in pairs (both front or both rear). The other caliper has been subjected to the same conditions and is likely near the end of its service life. Replacing both ensures balanced braking and prevents you from having to do the same job twice in the near future.
Estimated Costs for Caliper Replacement
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Caliper | $64 - $178 |
| Shop Labor | $195 - $286 |
| Total Professional Job | $259 - $464 (per caliper) |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on location and specific product choice. This does not include the cost of new brake pads, rotors, or fluid, which are often replaced at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to change the rear calipers?
Yes. The rear calipers on the 2017 Acadia Limited have an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). You will need a capable OBD2 scan tool to put the rear calipers into service mode to retract the electronic piston. Attempting to force the piston back with a C-clamp can damage the caliper.
What are TSBs related to my Acadia's brakes?
While no major caliper-specific TSBs exist for the Acadia Limited, GM has issued bulletins for related brake noises on the 2017 platform. TSB #17NA217 addresses front brake squeal and TSB #19NA115 addresses rear brake squeal, both often fixed by applying special grease to the brake pad shims. This shows that not all brake noise indicates a bad caliper.
Should I get a caliper with or without a bracket?
Most aftermarket calipers are available with a new, pre-lubricated mounting bracket. It's usually a good idea to get the caliper with the bracket. This saves you the time of cleaning the old one and ensures the new caliper slides freely, preventing premature pad wear.
Do I have to bleed the brakes after replacing a caliper?
Yes, absolutely. Whenever you open the hydraulic system by removing a caliper, air gets into the lines. You must bleed the brake system to remove all air bubbles, or you will have a spongy pedal and poor braking performance.
Technical Specifications
The 2017 GMC Acadia Limited uses hydraulic disc brake calipers on all four wheels. The rear calipers are integrated with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- GMC Acadia Limited: